Dr Thania Kahn is a specialist gastroenterologist and physician based in Pinelands, Cape Town, specialising in the diagnosis, treatment and Read more...
Find gastroenterologists in South Africa who specialise in diagnosing, treating and managing conditions affecting the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, oesophagus, liver, pancreas and gallbladder. Whether you are experiencing persistent digestive discomfort, require a colonoscopy or gastroscopy, or need specialist treatment for a chronic gastrointestinal condition, a qualified gastroenterologist can provide expert medical care tailored to your needs.
The Business Directory helps you find gastroenterologists near you, including specialist gastroenterology practices in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Gqeberha, Bloemfontein and other locations throughout South Africa.
A gastroenterologist is a medical specialist trained to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and associated digestive organs. Gastroenterologists undergo extensive medical training, including specialist training in internal medicine and further training in gastroenterology.
These specialists help patients manage digestive symptoms, investigate gastrointestinal conditions and develop appropriate treatment plans. They also perform specialised diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to identify abnormalities, detect disease and treat certain digestive disorders.
Gastroenterologists in South Africa provide a range of services to investigate and manage digestive health concerns. Common services and procedures include:
Gastroscopy: An endoscopic examination of the oesophagus, stomach and upper small intestine to investigate symptoms such as acid reflux, persistent heartburn, swallowing difficulties and upper abdominal pain.
Colonoscopy: A procedure used to examine the colon and rectum, investigate bowel symptoms, detect polyps and screen for colorectal cancer.
Video Capsule Endoscopy: A diagnostic procedure involving a small swallowable camera to examine sections of the digestive tract, particularly the small intestine.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Management: Diagnosis and ongoing treatment of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Liver Disease Assessment: Investigation and management of conditions affecting the liver, including fatty liver disease, hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Gastrointestinal Cancer Screening: Screening and diagnostic investigations for cancers affecting the digestive system, particularly colorectal cancer.
Polyp Removal: Endoscopic removal of certain growths discovered during a colonoscopy or gastroscopy.
Digestive Disorder Management: Assessment and treatment of conditions such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), peptic ulcers, coeliac disease and chronic gastrointestinal symptoms.
Not every gastroenterologist offers every procedure, so it is advisable to confirm the services available at your chosen specialist practice.
People visit gastroenterologists for various digestive health concerns, ranging from occasional discomfort to chronic medical conditions requiring long-term management.
Some of the most common conditions investigated or treated include:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
Gastritis and peptic ulcers
Coeliac disease and food-related digestive disorders
Chronic constipation and diarrhoea
Fatty liver disease and other liver disorders
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Gallbladder and pancreatic conditions
Iron deficiency anaemia associated with gastrointestinal disorders
Colorectal polyps and gastrointestinal cancers
Gastroenterologists also investigate unexplained abdominal pain, persistent bloating, changes in bowel habits, difficulty swallowing and other symptoms that may indicate an underlying digestive condition.
Although many digestive complaints can initially be assessed by a general practitioner (GP), certain symptoms may require further investigation by a specialist gastroenterologist.
Your GP may recommend a referral if you experience persistent heartburn, recurring abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, ongoing diarrhoea or constipation, difficulty swallowing or unexplained iron deficiency anaemia.
Blood in your stool, black stools or significant changes in bowel habits may also indicate the need for specialist investigation. Severe abdominal pain or substantial gastrointestinal bleeding requires urgent medical assessment.
Gastroenterologists additionally provide colorectal cancer screening for eligible patients, particularly those with a family history of colorectal cancer or other recognised risk factors.
South Africa has gastroenterology specialists practising in private hospitals, specialist medical centres and public healthcare facilities. Many private gastroenterologists work closely with general practitioners, surgeons, dietitians, radiologists and other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated treatment.
When choosing a gastroenterologist, consider the specialist’s qualifications, clinical experience, areas of expertise and the diagnostic procedures offered. You may also want to establish whether the practice accepts your medical aid, whether a referral is required and which hospitals or day clinics are used for procedures.
Patients seeking private gastroenterologists should confirm consultation fees, medical aid arrangements and any additional costs associated with diagnostic procedures.
Whether you need a gastroenterologist in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban or another South African city, The Business Directory makes it easier to discover specialist medical practices offering gastrointestinal consultations, digestive health assessments and endoscopic procedures.
Browse our listings of gastroenterologists in South Africa to find a specialist suited to your digestive healthcare needs.